Category: Pioneer Stories
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The Huzzah Creek Feud: Sallie Tubbs Remembers
“That road there,” Sallie said, pointing toward the dusty road, “is where the big family feud came to a head.” In 1915, at her 82nd birthday, Sallie Tubbs Camden told the tale of disputed land, fallen trees, bloodshed, and silence, the tale of the Huzzah Creek Feud.
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The Names We Keep: Anders Bergum’s story
When Jens Andersen married his late friend’s widow, he did something extraordinary—he took the Bergum name as his own, ensuring Anders’ legacy would not be forgotten. Through weathered signatures, quiet vows, and the names carved in stone, this is the story of how a family name was chosen, not inherited.
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An Odd Fellow with an Oath: Arthur Miller’s Journey of Friendship, Love, and Truth
Arthur Miller traced the painting’s path with a trembling hand. “Friendship, Love, and Truth,” he said, “are more than words—they’re a map for life.” As he prepared to pass the Noble Grand mantle to his son, he reflected on his journey: a pioneer’s struggles, family sacrifices, and the steadfast bonds of the Odd Fellows.
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Jacob Oleson Aase: The Carpenter from Stavanger
Frederikke sat by the window, cradling their newborn, Fritz, as the noisy streets of Chicago bustled below. Jacob returned from the construction site, his hands calloused and his spirit weary. ‘This isn’t what we dreamed of,’ she whispered. Her words lingered, sparking their plan to seek new beginnings in Iowa.
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From Civil War to Pyatt Hollow: The Bryan Sisters’ Unbreakable Bond
“We’ve lost so much,” Amy whispered, tracing the worn leather of the family Bible. The names of their husbands shimmered faintly in the dim firelight. Mary squeezed her sister’s hand tightly. “But we still have each other,” she replied softly. Together, they vowed to face whatever the future held.
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Abner Mitchell’s Final Hour: A Wisconsin Pioneer’s Reflections
Abner Mitchell’s 84th birthday brought his family together one last time, gathering in the glow of the parlor’s firelight. As the mantel clock ticked toward midnight, Abner shared stories of war, faith, and the land he built in Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy etched in both the soil and the hearts of his descendants.